28 March 2017

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

A whole term has passed and we have had a great opportunity to watch the Wynnum spirit grow in our students and community. Commitment is a value so many of our students display. It is hard work to maintain commitment to a range of activities in and out of the classroom. For many students this commitment has paid off this term and I congratulate the many students who have made metropolitan teams in a range of sports, along with those students who have achieved their best possible results academically.

As we approach the end of term and report cards are emailed home, it is time to prepare for our parent teacher interviews. They can sometimes be a little daunting but they are an important opportunity to touch base with your child’s teachers and shouldn’t be missed. Here are some tips that may help you get the best out of your time with the teacher.

Prepare

Take a few minutes before your meeting to jot down any questions or comments you have. The interviews run about 10 minutes so it is good to have a reminder of the points you wanted to raise. Examples of common questions include:

• How is my child fitting in with others?
• What are the children working on in class at the moment?
• Does my child ask questions, participate in class discussions/classroom activities?
• Is my child’s reading progress satisfactory?
• Is my child’s numeracy progress satisfactory?
• Can you tell me the best time and way to contact you if I have a query or concern?
• Do you have concerns about my child?
• How is my child progressing in comparison to others in his/her year level?

Also list anything that might be happening at home that may be helpful for your child’s teacher to know. If your child has seen a specialist for example, there may be some information that is important for the teacher or Guidance Officer to know.

Partners in your child’s education

Try to approach the interview with a positive and relaxed attitude, remembering you and the teacher are partners in your child’s learning. Don’t be afraid to raise your concerns. At the same time, if you’re upset about something, let the teacher give you an explanation of the situation.

The vast majority of those in education choose teaching because they want to help students achieve their best, in others words, you’re on the same team.

Walk away with an agreed plan

Admittedly, there are times when the news isn’t all good. If teachers raise issues about your child’s learning, development or behaviour, your goal will be to understand how he or she plans to manage that during the school day and how you can provide support at home.

Plan to communicate

The parent teacher interview is not the only time you can discuss your child with the teacher, but many parents find it’s their only opportunity to visit the school because of their busy work or home schedules. Ask the teacher how you can best communicate with each other in the future. Many teachers make appointments to see or call parents outside of school hours, others find emails work well.

Have a safe and well deserved holiday. See you all back here on 18th April.

Every day counts at Wynnum!

2017 Next Step Survey

The Queensland Government is conducting its annual statewide survey of all students who completed Year 12 in 2016. The Next Step survey is a brief, confidential survey that gains a comprehensive picture of the employment, study and life choices made by Queensland school completers in the year after they finish Year 12.

Between March and June, all our students who completed Year 12 last year can expect to receive instructions to complete a web-based survey or a telephone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office to complete the survey. Please encourage them to take part. If their contact details have changed, please assist the interviewer with their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate.

Thank you for your support of the Next Step survey in 2017.

Further information on Next Step is available online at the link below or on toll free telephone 1800 068 587.

National Disability Insurance Scheme

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is rolling out across Queensland using local government area boundaries. It will commence in the Ipswich area on 1 July 2017.

You can search by postcode to find out when the NDIS will roll out in your area.

The first step to becoming an NDIS participant is completing an access request.

People who receive disability support services through the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services (DCCSDS) will be contacted by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to start this process.

People who aren't receiving disability support services through DCCSDS may still be eligible to receive support through the NDIS. The NDIS access checklist is available online . If you think you or your child may be eligible you are encouraged to call the NDIA Hotline on 1800 800 110 to start the access request process.

Once an access request is submitted you will be kept informed about its progress and the next steps in the process. Frequently asked questions about accessing the NDIS are now available.

If you have any questions about the NDIS call 1800 800 110.

• For people with hearing or speech loss: TTY 1800 555 677, Speak and listen 1800 555 727
• For people who need help with English TIS 131 450

Cath Pfingst
Principal

From the Senior School Deputy

Term One Reports

Term One Reports will be emailed home in this week of this term.

Please ensure that we have a copy of your current email address. Alternatively, if you do not wish to receive your child’s report via email please let us know.

Information about the upcoming Parent Teacher interviews will be included with the report.

For all enquiries, we ask you to contact the School Office on 3906 7333.

New senior assessment and tertiary entrance systems in Queensland - A guide for parents

The Queensland Government is introducing new senior assessment and tertiary entrance systems. The new systems will commence for students who enter Year 11 in 2019 (i.e. current Year 9 students). Over the coming months we will provide you with updates about this major change. The following information has been provided by Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority (QCAA).

Commencement in 2019 will ensure teachers, students and parents have time to understand and familiarise themselves with the new arrangements. Students and parents will be aware of new senior subjects and assessment arrangements as they plan their senior subjects and pathways.

What are the key changes?

The new systems will include:

• a new senior assessment model that combines school-based assessment developed and marked by classroom teachers, with external assessment set and marked by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA); and
• a move from the current Overall Position (OP) tertiary entrance rank to an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), as used by other Australian states and territories.

The reforms are the biggest change to senior education in more than 40 years.

Why change the current systems?

The senior assessment system in its current form began in the early 1980s, and the existing tertiary entrance system was introduced in 1992.

In 2014, a report by the Australian Council for Educational Research found that while the existing arrangements are serving Queensland students well, they will not be sustainable over the longer term.

What about current Year 10 students, who will now finish Year 12 under existing arrangements?

Families with students who will be completing school under the current system can be assured that their subject results and OP ranks are fair and reliable. The existing systems will in no way be compromised by the changes occurring from 2019.d160187

What will be different about senior assessment?

Year 12 students typically complete up to seven final assessments in each Authority subject.

Under the new system, students will complete four assessments for each subject, leaving more time for teaching and learning.

In senior Authority subjects (to be known as General subjects in the new system), three of these assessments will be school-based and one will be externally set and marked. External assessments are designed to give an extra layer of information about what students have learnt and can do in a subject. They will generally contribute 25% towards a student’s final result in most senior subjects. In mathematics and science subjects, they will generally contribute 50%.

New processes will also be used to strengthen the quality and comparability of school-based assessment. For example, under the new system, all school-based assessments will be endorsed by the QCAA before being used in the classroom.

What will be different about tertiary entrance?

Eligible students will be awarded an ATAR. The ATAR will replace the OP.

ATARs will be calculated by comparing student results using a process known as ‘inter-subject scaling’, as used in a number of other Australian jurisdictions. The current Queensland Core Skills (QCS) Test will be discontinued, allowing more time for subject-based teaching and learning.

A broader range of learning will be able to contribute to the ATAR than the OP.

What’s the difference between the OP and the ATAR?

The ATAR is a finer grained rank order of students than the OP and is commonly used in other states and territories. It’s a number between 0.00 and 99.95 with increments of 0.05, whereas the OP consists of 25 bands. The ATAR will be more useful in selecting students in very high demand courses in which most applicants hold the highest possible OP rank (an OP1).

How will ATARs be calculated?

ATARs will be based on five subjects, which can either be:

• five General subjects; or
• four General subjects, plus one vocational education and training qualification at Certificate III or above; or
• four General subjects, plus one Subject Area Syllabus subject (to be known as Applied subjects in the new system).

Students will have to satisfactorily complete an English subject to be eligible for an ATAR, but their English result will not be a mandatory inclusion in the calculation of their ATAR.

How should students choose their subjects?

As in the current system, students should choose subjects according to their learning goals, and what they enjoy and are good at. They should pay close attention to the prerequisite requirements of the courses they are considering for tertiary study.

Will the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) continue?

The Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) will remain as Queensland’s senior school qualification. All eligible Year 12 graduates will be awarded a QCE now and in the future.

More information

More information about the transition to the new systems is available online on the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority website at:

Creative Arts News

Congratulations

Congratulations to the following students who learned recently of their success in being chosen for the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University State Honours Ensemble Program Middle School South-East Queensland 2017.

The students will be attending ensembles rehearsals with other Instrumental Music students from throughout the metropolitan area and rehearsing with national and international conductors at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music from 2 – 4 June 2017.

Band Camp

We held a very successful Band Camp at Alexandra Headlands this year with 51 Instrumental Music students attending. It was a great three days of music making, walks on the beach, a trivia night run by the Year 12 students and a movie night where we watch Hairspray. Many thanks to Mrs Anderson, Mr Cosic and Mr Nutley for organising a memorable camp for the students. Our next band camp will be held in March 2019.

Instrumental Music Information Night

Thanks to the parents and friends who attended the Instrumental Music Information Night. It was a showcase opportunity for the three ensembles to show how much they have progressed since the beginning of the term. The Symphonic Band, Concert Band and Big Band all played for our very supportive audience and the Year 12 students received their Leadership badge for service to the school and the Instrumental Music program.

High School Musical 2

Rehearsals are well underway for our production of High School Musical 2 which will be presented in the Star Theatre from Thursday 25 May to Saturday 27 May. All tickets are $11 with a family price of $35 for 2 adults and 2 children. Tickets will go on sale at the beginning of Term 2 and can be purchased from Students Services. No tickets will be sold at the door.

In Term 2 students in the musical will be required for rehearsals on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoon after school until 4:30pm. On Saturday 20 May and Sunday 21 May all students will be required to attend a weekend rehearsal in preparation for our opening night on Thursday 25 May at 7:30 pm.

Drama

ZEAL THEATRE is presenting a performance of their production The Apology for Year 7 Drama, Music and Dance students and Year 9 Drama students on Wednesday 19th April in the Star Theatre.

ZEAL THEATRE is an internationally renowned touring theatre company dedicated to creating plays for schools, theatres and festivals. The Apology is a searingly honest look at the repercussions of taking revenge and the long term effects that bullying can have. The play ricochets through a five year period where the bruises of bullying refuse to heal. Told from an unbiased perspective, this powerful production forces students to decide if the punishment fits the crime. The Apology is performed by two actors who play 18 different characters in total, without ever leaving the stage or changing costume. Fuelled with intensity, The Apology fuses physical theatre techniques, multiple role-sharing and live music into a visceral and dynamic piece of theatre.

Creative Arts Events

Science Department News

9A QUT excursion 17 March 2017

On Friday 17 March, 9A visited the QUT Science and Engineering campus at Gardens Point. Run by two current 4th year engineering students at the university, we participated in a physics workshop, focusing on pseudocode and microcontrollers, like Arduino. After learning about the basics of code, we separated into groups to use these new skills. By altering and developing a simple coding structure, we were able to write up a set of instructions that, once uploaded to line racers (small racing cars), would make the vehicles move in particular ways at particular speeds – depending on the data we substituted into the code. We also spent time on The Cube, using the technology to answer a worksheet about physics and the effects of gravity on different planets. Overall the trip was an amazing experience and we would love to go back at any time.

Lizzy, Sophie and Rhianna
Year 9 students

ICAS Science Competition Coming Up

If you wish your son/daughter to participate in the ICAS Science competition please return the permission form via the link to Student Services, by the end of term. Please note that Writing, Spelling and English competitions are also available to enter. The Science competition is a fantastic way for students to expand their understanding of this learning area, allows opportunity to gauge interest in different science fields for senior subject selection, helps to prepare for other important exams such as QCS and NAPLAN, and provides students with certificates which look great in their resumes for when employment opportunities arise. The school is offering to pay for any students who volunteer to sit any of the competitions to encourage maximum participation.

We hope we can celebrate success stories in upcoming newsletters and school assemblies of outstanding student performances in these competitions.

French Film Festival

On Thursday 23 March, twenty-one students from Years 10, 11 and 12 French travelled to The Barracks to attend the French Film Festival. The students, accompanied by Madame McNeill and Miss Jones, attended a showing of Monsieur Chocolat. The film followed the journey of Rafael Padilla, a former slave from Cuba, who unexpectedly became a star clown in Paris in the 1900s. The film was based on a true story and explored the theme of racism. There were many laughs and more than a few tears as we learnt that following your heart and standing up for your rights can be very difficult. Le cinéma français delivered once again and many debates were had in class about whether all French films must have tragic endings. Hopefully the students have expanded their vocabulary and put their subtitle-reading skills to good use!

Maths Department News

• Students are welcome to enter the 40th Australian Mathematics Competition with entries closing on 10 July and the competition held on 27 July.
• A group of 8 students from (Year 7-8) will participate in the Mathematics Challenge for Young Australians.
• Scientific Calculators are for sale at the Tuckshop $25

News from the senior Early Childcare Classes

When the call went out from the Mater Womens’ Hospital that little hearts for the premature babies in the neo-natal ward was needed Ms Corbett and her Year 11 and 12 Early Childcare classes decided to help out. The students have been cutting, sewing and packaging these hearts for the babies so they can bond with their mothers. As a mother is not always able to be with their little premature baby it has been found to be very beneficial having the scent of the mother with the baby. So these small hearts made with love and care by the students will assist in this bonding process.

Japanese News

Homework Club

Sport Department News

Interhouse Cross Country/ Walk for Health

Date: Friday 31 March (weather permitting)
Time: 9.00 am – 11.20 am
Clothes: Sports uniform/House colours

All students will participate either as a runner, walker or student helper. Student helpers can sign up on the Sports Hall noticeboard. Students are to wear their sports uniform, however they are encouraged to wear clothes that support their house. Please ensure you have your running shoes, sunscreen and water bottle.

Kennedy Colour Run

Kennedy House will be organising a colour run on the last day of this term, Friday, 31 March. Please see the below flyer for more information.

Salvation Army Charity Drive

MITCHELL house would like to send a big thank you to all the families who helped out by bringing in donations for our charity drive for The Salvation Army Homelessness Services. It was a huge success and the Salvation Army were truly thankful for the donations to help so many families of Domestic Violence who were without. We received this thank you from Virgina Wilson from the Salvation Army.

“The staff were very pleased to receive the donations and were impressed with the choices made by the students and the thoughtful way items were packed. They were especially pleased that everything donated was new and felt humbled that you would do this for our service. The donations will be used in the Crisis Houses where we accommodate single mothers and families who have experienced Domestic Violence. They often come with few possessions. Once again thank you to the teachers, leaders and students of Wynnum State High School. Your thoughtfulness is much appreciated and will make the house feel like home for the families who come to Family Supported Accommodation Brisbane North.”

Mitchell house would also like to thank all their fellow student leaders for their contributions in the organisation and delivery of the charity drive. It wouldn’t have been possible without them.

Special Education Program (SEP) update

It was an absolute thrill to hear one of our senior students on the radio today. This wonderful opportunity has come about whilst he has been participating in work experience at a Brisbane radio station. This weekly work experience occurs on a school day and is about him exploring post-school options. And, he’s not the only student who is doing school and making intentional moves towards his future.

There are currently four Students with Disability undertaking School Based Traineeships. Two students spend a day at Bunnings each week and complete their modules in the SEP as they work towards a Certificate II in Retail. Both intend to attend TAFE in 2018 to further their skills, although in quite different areas of study, namely music and community services. A third student spends a day each week at an Australia-wide company and completes modules online. She is looking forward to achieving a Certificate III in Business and intends to study Business/Finance at University in 2019. The fourth student works at a local childcare centre and completes modules online for her Certificate III in Early Childhood. She intends to study a Diploma at TAFE in 2018 and then a Degree at University after that.

It has been pleasing to hear the positive stories of these students as they travel along their pathway to post-school.

From the School Nurse

Bullying

Understanding and Getting Help

Bullying can happen to anyone. Around one third of Australian students say they have experienced bullying at some point. Often people feel powerless against bullying. However, as parents it’s possible to take action against bullying to create safer environments for your child. Learn about what bullying is, why people do it and how to recognise bullying. Find out how to teach your child about handling bullying, and the importance of empathy and positive relationships.

Bullying occurs when words or actions are repeatedly used to harm someone’s wellbeing. While there are times we can accidentally say or do things that are hurtful, it’s important to understand that bullying is deliberate behaviour. It’s done on purpose to make a person feel intimidated, threatened or powerless and is often ongoing.

Unfortunately, bullying can be common in the teenage years, particularly at school. But it can happen almost anywhere such as the workplace, at home and online.

Why do people bully?

There are many different things that can influence a person to bully others. Some common reasons include:

• to feel powerful and in control
• to cope with unhappiness or anger
• peer pressure
• having little empathy for others
• to deal with self-esteem and confidence issues.

The motivations behind harmful bullying behaviour can often be tricky to pinpoint. It can sometimes be a combination of lots of different factors, so it’s best to keep an open mind when trying to understand why a person might be using behaviours that appear to be bullying. There might be lots of other things going on for them. However, if their behaviours are negatively impacting others, they should be addressed.

Bullying can be more than just nasty looks and teasing. It can come in lots of different forms, including:

• name calling
• spreading rumours or lies about someone
• physical intimidation or harassment
• targeting a person’s sexuality, religion, race, gender or disability
• singling a person out to make them feel alone or different.

If someone is being bullied they can feel:

• alone and helpless
• unsafe and afraid
• guilty, often blaming themselves for the bullying
• stressed and anxious
• depressed, sad or down.

Whether your child is being bullied or is somebody who bullies, it’s important to take active steps to address this behaviour.

For tips to support a young person who is being bullied or is bullying others follow this link

REFERENCE

The ABC, ReachOut Australia and Kids Helpline have developed an online bullying support portal. It's a place where people of all ages can connect with bullying support like digital self-help, peer-to-peer forums, telephone counselling and crisis support from a range of service providers

Gabrielle Nolan
Youth Health Nurse

Community News